Mary Lou (Bejot) Van Doozer

Longtime Arvada Resident, Businesswoman and Community Volunteer Passes Away at 82
Mary Lou (Bejot) Van Doozer (9/30/1936 – 2/23/2019)
Mary Lou (Bejot) Van Doozer was born and grew up in Ainsworth, NE where her father, Jesse F. Bejot, was a prominent rancher and businessman. She attended all 12 years of schooling in Ainsworth and graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1954. Just after high school, Mary entered and won the Miss North Central Nebraska beauty pageant.
Following high school, Mary Lou moved to Denver, CO attracted by the excitement and independence of living in a bigger city. She lived downtown, working secretarial jobs. Shortly after moving to Denver, Mary Lou met and married Robert Lee Van Doozer. They moved to Thornton and then Arvada and had four children: Gina Lee, Chris Alan, Corey Jay, and Scott Lewis. In the 1970’s, Mary attended and graduated paralegal school, eventually working for Holland and Hart in downtown Denver for 12 years.
Mary and Bob were divorced in 1981 and with her new found independence, she pursued a new direction in life as a business owner and restauranteur in 1991. Owning and managing the Arvada EggShell was her pride and joy of her life accomplishments. She became highly active in the Arvada civic community as a founding member of the Festivals Commission and participated on the Board of Historic Olde Town Arvada working toward the revitalization of Olde Town. Under her direction, The Arvada EggShell won the Pride of Arvada Favorite Breakfast Place in 2002 and Business of the Year in 2005. And in 2008, Mary won the prestigious Lloyd J King Entrepreneurial Spirit Award honoring individuals whose traits and character typify an exemplary entrepreneur. She was always giving back to the community whenever she could in her role as a prominent business figure in Arvada. One of her proudest moments was being able to fundraise $6,000 for the Arvada Food Bank. Another admirable community service project was her creation of the “High Tea” hosted at the EggShell for community members aged 90+. This event was free of charge, held several times a year, where Mary made the food and preparations herself and was enjoyed by many.
Mary retired in 2012 and lived at her home in Arvada until December 2018 when she moved to Parker Senior Living in Parker, CO to be closer to her sons, Scott and Corey. Mary passed away in her residence on Saturday, February 23, 2019. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family. She is survived by her daughter, Gina DeArcos (Phil), sons, Chris (Kathy), Corey (Michele), and Scott (Lori), grandchildren Lindsey Antonio, Brad Van Doozer, Jessica Van Doozer, Hannah Van Doozer, and Travis Van Doozer, and great-grandchildren, Bryce and Isabella Van Doozer.
Burial will take place in Ainsworth, NE. An open reception is being planned this weekend to take place in Arvada, Colorado. All are welcome. Please go to the Obituary Page on the Parker Funeral Home and Crematory website (www.pfh-co.com) for details as they become available.

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